Sello Motseta
23rd January 2021
A number of big name athletes were noticeably missing at the 5th Botswana Athletics Association(BAA) Zonal Meeting Saturday to allow Botswana Athletes to qualify for Tokyo Olympics with about 200 -250 athletes competing in the Field and Track Event at the National Stadium in Gaborone.
Adherence to various COVID-19 protocols affected crowd participation at low key season opener event with notable absentees being likes of Isaac Makwala, Amantle Montsho and Christine Botlogetswe who are still training in camp outside of the country and are not yet ready for competition.
“We had a good turnout of athletes with some big names missing,” said Oabona Theetso, Vice President of Administration for Botswana Athletics Association(BAA) and Spokesperson for BAA.
He said, “In terms of performance we did well. Sibanda who has been away from the sport for two years as a result of injury ran 200m and ran very well.”
Theetso maintained that the absence of spectators created an environment where athletes could not be spurred on by cheering supporters possibly affecting performance and times. The BAA is targeting taking 18 local athletes to Tokyo Olympics with 4 already qualified Amantle Montsho, Christine Botlogetswe, Nigel Amos and Galefele Moroko certain of their places at the upcoming Olympics.
Athletes are coming off the festive season so athletes are yet to peak coming of off season with another qualifier planned in Francistown in 2 weeks. They were in camp at Regent Hotel opposite University of Botswana(UB) between January 15 – February 15 2021.
“We have roped in sports psychologists, dieticians, sports massage therapists and medical doctors to work with athletes in camp,” said Theetso.
BAA has given athletes until May 2021 to post qualifying times for the upcoming Olympics in Tokyo and some athletes are working around the clock to ensure they meet set international standards. Thabiso Sekgopi who competed with both Sibanda and Thebe as youngsters is one such athlete.
“Today went well and it will build my confidence because I won against a number of recognized athletes. I ran a time of 21.69 seconds for the Mens 200m and the qualifying time is 20.40 seconds,” said Sekgopi who specializes in the short sprints specifically 100m and 200m.
He said, “I started running with Sibanda and Thebe. I had tio balance my athletics with my academic work. I graduated in August 2020 with a Diploma in secondary Education at Molepolole College of Education and am now focusing on my athletics career.”
Results
1500m Mix
1. Tshepiso Masalela 3:45:50
2. Sylvester Koko 3:34:12
3. James Ngwenya 4:02:75
100m Women
1. Lone Madzimule 12:71
2. Tshepang Manyika 13:45
3. Lefa Godiutlwele 13:50
100 Junior Men
1. Jason Game Mandoze 10:93
2. Lopang Kgwaswanyanwe 11:30
3. Stensol Sibanda 11:40
100 Senior Men
1. Thabo Molapo 10:87
2. Pako Serebe 11:01
3. Bonang Mamogang 11:15
200m Junior Men
1. Letsile Tebogo 22:21
2. Godipane Lebtlamang 22:29
3. Boago Mabulane 22:44
200m Senior Men
1. Thabiso Sekgopi 21:68
2. Karabo Mothibi 21:97
3. Thabo Molapo 22:05
800m Mix
1. Letlhogonolo Mokgethi 1:55:39
2. Odirebe Masede 1:56:05
3. Kamogela Seboko 1:58:54
10,000m
1. Sesebo Matlapeng 31:12:74
2. Karabo Teko 34:18:47
3. Tefo Mereyabo 35:49:23
200m Junior Women
1. Lone Madzimule 26:59
2. Loarano Thomisani 27:25
3. Golekanye Chikani 27:78
200m Senior Women
1. Tsaone Sebele 24:17
2. Oarabile Tshosa 25:16
3. Nancy Budzani 26:97
